The Laugh Guide: Insult Comedy

Hey dumbass, stick that flannel shirt up your ass and fit in with the other douche bags.

I heard this direct insult from Jeffrey Ross as roasted crowd members during Just For Laughs 2011. Ross’ style of invasive, rude, uncensored delivery is the perfect description of what an insult comic is all about. This form of comedy attacks and abuses an audience and/or other performers as it is widely popular style found in modern comedy.

In 2013, comedians such as Ross, Anthony Jeselnik and Amy Schumer keep this style of insult comedy alive and well. Their jokes are usually shorter in length and involve radical stereotypes complimented with foul language and direct verbal abuse. Such humor has led to primetime television shows such as The Burn with Jeff Ross and The Jeselnik Offensive with Anthony Jeselnik.

Opposed to an observational or character type of comedian, insult comics tend to push the boundaries with sexist and racist comments. When going to see an insult comic, don’t expect to be wowed with knowledge or smart humor, expect to be shocked and awed as good insult comics will make you sit up in your seat with a sense of uneasiness.

If you are a fan of insult comedy or never really gave it much exploration, be sure to check out these powerful insult comics.